Bake a showstopping Giant Hostess Cupcake Cake today with our easy-to-follow tips and creative ideas – let’s get baking!
When we used to cross the border into Texas, we almost always went to this little gas station stop outside of the border town that had a Wendy’s and Dairy Queen. We would buy so much junk at that gas station, I think the workers thought we were going into Mexico. But we had been out for so many months we needed a good ol’ junk food fix. One thing that was for sure was that my DH would buy some Hostess chocolate cupcakes. He just loves those things and inhales them in two seconds! So when we were going on a ‘junk food dry spell’ down here in Costa Rica, I decided to make some Hostess Cupcakes but bigger…and better. So a Giant Hostess Cupcake Cake was born. Imagine the chocolate cupcake times a lot…yeah, it was pretty great.
Cook Eat Delicious Rating: Wow, cake is just perfect Hostess cupcake consistency. I love the chocolate ganache too. Once it firms up it really looks and tastes amazing. The marshmallow filling was spot on too, especially fresh. Unfortunately, we don’t have temperature control in the house so once it warmed up just a little the consistency started to change but it still was good and worked out perfect. This chocolate layer cake is a fun and easy recipe. It is great for parties or special occasions that require a giant cupcake cake. It put a huge smile on DH’s face once I cut into it. He wasn’t expecting that middle filling at all. Cake surprises are so much fun!
Giant Hostess Cupcake Cake
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake:
- 3 oz chocolate semisweet
- 1½ cups coffee hot
- 3 cups sugar
- 2¾ cups flour
- 1½ cups cocoa powder unsweetened
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1½ cups buttermilk
- 1 tbsp vanilla
Marshmallow Frosting:
- 2 egg whites
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch salt
–Ganache Frosting:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp light corn syrup
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
- Line 3 round cake pans with parchment paper and grease pans and paper.
- Combine chocolate and hot coffee, stirring until smooth.
- In a bowl combine sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs until slightly thickened, 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in oil, buttermilk, vanilla, and melted chocolate until well combined.
- Mix in flour mixture until just combined well.
- Divide batter into the three pans and bake for 50-55 minutes.
- Cool on wire rack completely before assembling cake.
- In the meantime, start Marshmallow Frosting by combining all ingredients in a double boiler.
- Beat mixture at a high speed until frosting is thick and fluffy, about 6 minutes.
- Continue to beat off of heat and let cool.
- Start Ganache Frosting by lightly boiling cream, sugar, and corn syrup, whisking until smooth.
- Remove from heat and add in chocolate, whisking smooth.
- Whisk in butter until ganache is smooth and let cool in a bowl.
- To assemble cake, place first cake layer on cake plate and cut out a 6 inch circle in the center about ⅕ inch deep.
- Top with second layer.
- Cut out a large hole in the center (matching the bottome layer) of second layer, 6 inches accross and remove the extra cake.
- Fill hole with marshmallow frosting, leaving ½ cup for top spiral.
- Take the same measurement as you did the first layer out of the bottom of the third layer and seal it on top.
- Spread a thin crumb coat of ganache on top and sides of cake.
- Let cake chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes or so and thinly frost sides of cakes and let re-chill.
- Use the remaing ganache to frost only the top of the cake, making a thick layer.
- Let firm in refrigerator for 30 minutes minimum.
- Top with a spiral using marshmallow frosting.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Expanded Baking Tips for Your Cupcake Cake
Creating a Giant Hostess Cupcake Cake is like embarking on a deliciously rewarding baking expedition. Here’s how to ensure your journey is smooth sailing:
Even Baking: The Foundation of Perfection
We’ve touched on the importance of even baking, but let’s dig a little deeper. Uneven baking can lead to a lopsided cake or, worse, a dry edge with an undercooked center. To avoid these baking blunders, rotate your cake halfway through the baking time. This simple step encourages uniformity and gives you that golden-brown finish we all adore.
Patience is a Virtue: The Waiting Game
I can’t stress this enough—good things come to those who wait! After your Giant Hostess Cupcake Cake has finished baking, give it the royal treatment by letting it cool on a wire rack. This isn’t just about patience; it’s about texture and taste. Rushing the cooling process could result in a crumbly disaster when it’s time to add your filling and frosting.
Sturdy Frosting: The Crowning Glory
Now, about that buttercream. When you’re creating a cake of epic proportions, a wimpy frosting simply won’t do. You need a buttercream that stands tall and proud. My secret? A dash of meringue powder or a spoonful of shortening mixed into your frosting can add stability without sacrificing flavor.
The Right Tools for the Job
Imagine trying to paint a masterpiece without a brush—that’s what baking without the right tools is like. Invest in a long serrated knife for leveling your cake layers, an offset spatula for spreading frosting smoothly, and a turntable to make decorating a breeze. These tools aren’t just handy; they’re essential for achieving that professional look.
Practice Makes Perfect: Piping Skills
Those whimsical swirls and twirls on top of your Giant Hostess Cupcake Cake aren’t going to pipe themselves! If you’re not a piping pro yet, don’t fret. Grab some spare buttercream and practice your designs on wax paper before moving on to the real deal. It’s a fun way to build confidence and skill.
Don’t Forget the Filling!
The creamy center is the heart of any Hostess cupcake, giant or not. When you’re ready to fill your cake, choose a nozzle with a wider opening to inject that delicious cream filling evenly. And remember, it’s not just about quantity; it’s about distribution. Aim for a consistent spread so every slice gets its fair share of the good stuff.
Armed with these tips, you’re more than ready to tackle the creation of your very own Giant Hostess Cupcake Cake. So preheat that Best Mini Ovens For Your Small Kitchen, tie on your apron, and get ready to bake a cake that’ll be the talk of the town!
Common FAQs About Giant Hostess Cupcake Cakes
If you’re looking to make a big impression with a dessert, a giant Hostess cupcake cake is a great choice. But if you’ve never made one before, you might have some questions. Here are some of the most common FAQs about these impressive cakes.
How big are they?
The size of a giant Hostess cupcake cake can vary, but they are typically about 12 inches wide and 18 inches tall.
How many people will they serve?
A giant Hostess cupcake cake can serve up to 24 people.
How do you make them?
There are a few different ways to make a giant Hostess cupcake cake. One popular method is to bake two 9-inch round cakes and then cut them into thirds. Another option is to bake three 8-inch round cakes and then cut them into quarters.
What do you use for the filling?
There are a variety of different fillings that can be used in a giant Hostess cupcake cake. Some popular options include vanilla buttercream, chocolate buttercream, and strawberry jam.
How do you decorate them?
The sky is the limit when it comes to decorating a giant Hostess cupcake cake. You can keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or go all out with piped frosting, sprinkles, and edible decorations.
Serving Your Showstopper: A Feast for the Eyes and the Belly
When the spotlight turns to your Giant Hostess Cupcake Cake, it’s not just about eating; it’s about creating a moment that will linger in memories as sweetly as the cake itself. Here’s how to serve it up with style:
Presentation is Key: Make It Dazzle
First impressions count, so take a moment to admire your work before diving in. Place your colossal cupcake on a stand that makes it the centerpiece of your dessert table. Surround it with colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or even some playful cake toppers that echo the joyous spirit of this treat.
Generosity in Every Slice: Sharing the Love
Cutting into your Giant Hostess Cupcake Cake should feel like a celebration. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice through the cake cleanly, ensuring each piece is as picture-perfect as the last. Serve up those generous portions with a flourish, and watch eyes widen in delight.
The Perfect Pairing: Ice Cream and More
A scoop of vanilla ice cream is classic, but why stop there? Offer a variety of flavors to cater to all tastes—chocolate for the chocoholics, strawberry for a fruity twist, or even coffee-flavored ice cream for those who enjoy a little kick. And that drizzle of chocolate sauce? Warm it up for an extra touch of indulgence.
Toppings Galore: Customize the Experience
Set up a toppings bar and let guests personalize their dessert. Bowls of mini marshmallows, crushed cookies, nuts, and colorful candies invite everyone to get creative. It’s not just about the taste—it’s about the fun of making each plate their own.
Savor the Moment: Making Memories
As everyone digs in, take a step back and soak in the joy. The laughter, the sticky fingers, the crumbs dotting smiling lips—these are the moments that make all the baking worth it. Capture it with photos, or better yet, in the stories that will be told and retold whenever someone mentions the legendary Giant Hostess Cupcake Cake you made.
The Sweet Aftermath: Leftovers Done Right
If by some miracle there’s cake left over, don’t let it go to waste. Wrap up slices for guests to take home, or transform them into cake pops or trifle layers the next day. Your Giant Hostess Cupcake Cake can keep the sweetness going long after the party’s over.
There you have it—a serving guide that’s as big-hearted as your Giant Hostess Cupcake Cake itself. Now go on, make merry, and remember: every bite is a celebration of the love and care baked right in. Happy serving!
